Cold War – Gerry van Tonder

The Berlin Blockade: Soviet Chokehold on Berlin and the Great Allied Airlift 1948–49

"The Berlin Blockade" recounts the intense standoff over Berlin (1948–49) between the Soviets, aiming to push the Western Allies out, and the Allies' historic airlift response to sustain the city. Sourced from British press accounts, it vividly captures the Cold War's early tensions, showcasing a mix of military readiness and diplomatic maneuvering against the backdrop of a potential global conflict.

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Malayan Emergency: Triumph of the Running Dogs 1948–1960

By Gerry van Tonder

"Malayan Emergency: Triumph of the Running Dogs" delves into the 1948-1960 conflict in British Malaya, where the Malayan Communist Party waged a guerrilla war for independence against British colonial forces. Utilizing training and arms initially provided by Britain during WWII, the conflict signified a tumultuous chapter in the struggle for self-determination, involving a broad coalition of Commonwealth forces in a protracted counter-insurgency operation.

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Red China: Mao Crushes the Kuomintang, 1949

By Gerry van Tonder

"Red China: Mao Crushes the Kuomintang, 1949" explores the pivotal year when Mao Tse-tung and the People’s Liberation Army, backed by Soviet support, decisively defeated Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang forces, marking a significant shift in China’s future. The narrative traces the long struggle from guerrilla warfare to the establishment of a communist dictatorship, highlighting the impact of the Sino-Japanese War and internal divisions that left the Kuomintang weakened and paved the way for Mao's rise as one of history's most controversial leaders.

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Sino–Indian War: Border Clash October–November 1962

By Gerry van Tonder

"Sino–Indian War: Border Clash October–November 1962" explores the historical and geopolitical tensions between India and China over Himalayan territories, leading to the 1962 conflict. Highlighting the legacy of British colonial borders, the McMahon Line dispute, and the impact of post-World War II shifts in power, the book details the military escalations that culminated in a brief, intense war coinciding with the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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The Running Dogs of War: Malayan Emergency 1948–1960

By Gerry van Tonder

The Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) was a guerrilla war between British forces and communist insurgents in Malaya. Sparked by communist demands for recognition and fueled by Maoist propaganda, the conflict saw brutal hit-and-run tactics. British strategies, including forced resettlement, gradually quelled the insurgency. The war ended following Malaya's independence in 1957, with the emergency officially declared over in 1960.

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Soviet Armour Graveyard, Afghanistan

By Gerry van Tonder

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 aimed to support a communist regime but faced fierce resistance from Mujahideen fighters, leading to a protracted and costly conflict. Despite significant military investment, the Soviets suffered heavy casualties and equipment losses, ultimately withdrawing in 1989. This conflict underscored the challenges of foreign military intervention in Afghanistan, foreshadowing similar experiences for other nations.

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